Worst songs of the 80's
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because most of us at Club 30 have been there
80 coz we're talkin' 'bout the 80s
80. All Night Long (Lionel Richie):
No. 1 in the U.S. for 4 weeks in 1983.
We're going to party, Karamu, fiesta, forever. Come on and sing along!
79. Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley):
No. 1 in U.S., U.K., Canada in 1987.
Never gonna make you cry. Never gonna say goodbye. Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you.
78. We Didn't Start The Fire (Billy Joel):
No. 1 in U.S. in 1989.
We didn't start the fire. No we didn't light it. But we tried to fight it.
77. Stuck With You (Huey Lewis):
No. 1 in U.S. for 3 weeks in 1986.
Yes, it's true, I am happy to be stuck with you."
76. Another One Bites The Dust (Queen):
Queen's best-selling single ever.
Steve walks warily down the street, With the brim pulled way down low."
75. Maniac (Michael Sembello):
Third highest grossing song from Flashdance soundtrack.
It can cut you like a knife, if the gift becomes the fire. On a wire between will and what will be.
74. Broken Wings (Mr. Mister):
Band's lead singer was offered lead vocalist job in Chicago and Toto.
The book of love will open up and let us in.
73. I Love a Rainy Night (Eddie Rabbitt):
Rabbitt had more than two dozen No. 1 songs on country charts. Died in 1998.
Showers washed all my cares away. I wake up to a sunny day.
72. Keep Your Hands to Yourself (Georgia Satellites):
Reached No. 2 on charts (couldn't beat "Livin' On a Prayer" ).
I got a little change in my pocket going jingle lingle ling.
71. Say You, Say Me (Lionel Richie):
Theme song to "White Nights" won Richie an Oscar.
As we go down life's lonesome highway, seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two.
70. Kiss (Prince)
No. 1 song in 1986 (he also penned No. 2 song "Manic Monday" for Bangles).
Act your age, mama, not your shoe size
69. Don't Tell Me You Love Me (Night Ranger)
San Francisco band's first hit only reached No. 40.
I'm a kid on the run. I got a pistol for action
68. Girl You Know It's True (Milli Vanilli)
German pop pair lip-synced their live performances.
You're soft, succulent so sweet and thin. That's kind of like a vision upon your skin.
67. Died in Your Arms (Cutting Crew)
Song included on video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Her diary it sits on the bedside table. The curtains are closed, the cats in the cradle.
66. Like a Rock (Bob Seger)
"Poor man's Springsteen" forever synonymous with Chevy truck ads.
Working for peanuts, not a dime to spare. But I was lean and solid everywhere.
65. You're the Inspiration (Chicago)
Band's first 19 albums known only by corresponding roman numeral.
And I need you here with me, from tonight until the end of time.
64. Hello (Lionel Richie)
Recorded about the same time he adopted Nicole Richie.
I sometimes see you pass outside my door. Hello, is it me you're looking for?
63. Too Much Time on my Hands (Styx)
A Top 10 hit off 1980's Paradise Theater album.
Is it any wonder I'm not crazy? Is it any wonder I'm sane at all?
62. Lights Out (Peter Wolf)
Lead singer for J. Geils Band from 1967 to 1982.
I know that it's wrong, to be dancing with no lights on
61. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison)
No. 1 in 1988; touring this summer on 20th anniversary tour.
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
60. Say Say Say (Paul McCartney with Michael Jackson)
In Cantonese, the title sounds like "Sei, Sei, Sei," which means "Die, Die, Die" (I feel the same way!)
Baby through the years, you know I'm crying, Oo oo oo oo oo...
59. Somebody's Watching Me (Rockwell)
Features Michael and Jermaine Jackson on guest vocals.
All I want is to be left alone in my average home
58. Electric Avenue (Eddie Grant)
A 2001 remix was a top 10 hit in the U.K.
No place to hang out our washing, and I can't blame all on the sun, oh no
57. I Eat Cannibals (Total Coelo)
The group's name is Latin, and roughly translates to "totally different."
Fancy a bite, my appetite. Yum, yum, gee it's fun
56. Mexican Radio (Wall of Voodoo)
A classic video on MTV, the song never made the Top 40.
I hear the talking of the DJ, Can't understand just what does he say?
55. Think of Laura (Christopher Cross)
Though usually associated with General Hospital's Luke and Laura, the song is about a friend who died from a stray bullet.
Think of Laura but laugh don't cry. I know she'd want it that way.
54. The War Song (Culture Club)
A No. 2 single in 1984 in the U.K., it wasn't nearly as popular in the U.S.
War war is stupid. And people are stupid. And love means nothing. In some strange quarters
53. Party All the Time (Eddie Murphy)
Produced by Rick James, the song was recently named of the 50 worst of all time by Blender magazine.
I buy you champagne, roses and put diamonds on your fingers. But still you hang out all night, what am I to do?
52. 19 (Paul Hardcastle)
Featuring samples of TV narrator Peter Thomas, it was a huge hit outside the U.S.
All those who remember the war. They won't forget what they've seen. Destruction of men in their prime, whose average was 19
51. Never Surrender (Corey Hart)
The first, but not the last, time we'll hear from this Canadian singer.
Just a little more time is all we're asking for. 'Cause just a little more time could open closing doors
50. Kokomo (Beach Boys)
Band deemed an "undesirable element" in 1980 by Reagan's secretary of the interior.
To Martinique, that Monserrat mystique
49. Pass the Dutchie (Musical Youth)
Based on song "Pass the Kouchie," which -- yes -- is about smoking pot.
How does it feel when you've got no food?
48. Who's Crying Now (Journey)
One of the band's top 3 singles is also the most overplayed.
And in a lover's rage, they tore another page. The fightin' is worth the love they save
47. All Out Of Love (Air Supply)
Played before 175,000 fans in Cuba in 2005.
I'm reaching for you. Are you feeling it too?
46. Ride Like the Wind (Christopher Cross)
Cartoon character Chris Griffin in Family Guy is thought to be named after Cross.
And I got such a long way to go. To make it to the border of Mexico.
45. We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off (Jermaine Stewart)
His backup vocals work for Culture Club helped him land a solo record deal.
You just took for granted that I want to skinny dip
44. Come on Eileen (Dexys Midnight Runners)
Band name taken from the energy drug Dexedrine.
Go Toora Loora Toora Loo-Rye-Aye and we can sing just like our fathers
43. I Want To Know What Love Is (Foreigner)
Only No. 1 hit for the band, though they had several top 10 singles.
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far, to change this lonely life
42. Uptown Girl (Billy Joel)
Written about his future wife, Christie Brinkley. Came out same year as Michael Jackson's Thriller.
I bet she never had a back street guy. I bet her mama never told her why
41. Hearts (Marty Balin)
Vocalist for Jefferson Starship, which has a more recognizable song in the top 20 of this list.
I just thought I'd write a song to tell the world how I miss you -
40. I Feel For You (Chaka Khan)
Written by Prince (harmonica by Stevie Wonder)
I wanna love you, wanna hug you, wanna squeeze you too
39. Sussudio (Phil Collins)
Criticized for -- among many things -- sounding too much like Prince's 1999.
Now she don't even know my name. But I think she likes me just the same
38. Heaven is a Place on Earth (Belinda Carlisle)
Carlisle posed nude for Playboy in 2001. Song's video directed by actress Diane Keaton
When I'm lost at sea, I hear your voice, And it carries me
37. All She Wants to do is Dance (Don Henley)
Kool & The Gang covered the song on their 1989 album.
Rebels have been rebels since I don't know when. And all she wants to do is dance
36. She's Like the Wind (Patrick Swayze)
He also wrote the song for the movie Dirty Dancing.
Just a fool to believe I have anything she needs
35. Manic Monday (The Bangles)
Prince wrote it and offered it to the group while wooing Susanna Hoffs.
These are the days when you wish your bed was already made
34. Hangin' Tough (New Kids on the Block)
In 1990, the band made more money than Michael Jackson.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, just hangin tough, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, hangin tough.
33. Tainted Love (Soft Cell)
Originally recorded in 1964 by northern soul artist Gloria Jones.
Don't touch me please. I cannot stand the way you tease"
32. To All the Girls I've Loved Before (Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias)
One of Willie's two most popular tunes, along with "Always On My Mind"
To all the girls I once caressed. And may I say I've held the best
31. Kyrie (Mr. Mister)
Band name comes from Mr. Misty, a drink sold by Dairy Queen.
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine is where I find myself again
30. I Just Called To Say I Love You (Stevie Wonder)
13th in the all-time list of best-selling singles in the UK; mocked by Jack Black in the film High Fidelity.
No first of spring. No song to sing. In fact here's just another ordinary day
29. Morning Train (Sheena Easton)
Known as "9 to 5" in England but changed in the U.S. to avoid confusion with Dolly Parton's song. Also the fight song of Manchester United fan club of Ohio.
All day I think of him, dreamin' of him constantly. I'm crazy mad for him, and he's crazy mad for me.
28. I Think We're Alone Now (Tiffany)
Cover of the Tommy James & the Shondells song from 1967. Tiffany finished second in Star Search in 1985.
Children behave. That's what they say when we're together
27. California Girls (David Lee Roth)
Recorded in 1985, while DLR was still a member of Van Halen.
I dig a French bikini on Hawaii island. Dolls by a palm tree in the sand
26. Wild Boys (Duran Duran)
The last top 10 hit by the band in the 80s, released on the concert album Arena.
You got sirens for a welcome. There's bloodstain for your pain. And your telephone been ringing while you're dancing in the rain
25. The Final Countdown (Europe)
Song by the Swedish rock band was No. 1 in 26 countries.
We're leaving together, But still it's farewell And maybe well come back. To earth, who can tell?
24. Ebony and Ivory (Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder)
This song was named as the 10th worst song of all time by Blender magazine.
We all know that people are the same where ever we go
23. Mickey (Toni Basil)
A cover of a 1979 hit called "Kitty" by UK band Racey. Later parodied by Weird Al as "Ricky."
Oh Mickey what a pity you don't understand. You take me by the heart When you take me by the hand
22. Can't Fight This Feeling (REO Speedwagon)
Second No. 1 hit for REO (after "Keep on Lovin' You).
And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight. You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night.
21. Sugar Walls (Sheena Easton)
Tipper Gore named this song one of the "Filthy 15," a list of "indecent songs" by the PMRC.
Blood races to your private spots, that let's me know there's a fire -
47. All Out Of Love (Air Supply)
Played before 175,000 fans in Cuba in 2005.
I'm reaching for you. Are you feeling it too?
This Song Nice Mah
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20. Pacman Fever (Buckner & Garcia)
A No. 8 hit in the U.S. back in 1982; the album it's on has a song about seven more different arcade games (Frogger, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Defender, Mouse Trap, Berzerk)
I'm gonna eat 'em all up, just as soon as they turn blue.
19. Walk the Dinosaur (Was Not Was)
The group's earlier work featured guest vocals by Mel Torme and Ozzy Osbourne; also known for the song "Out Come the Freaks."
That night we split a rattlesnake and danced beneath the stars.
18. Abracadabra (Steve Miller Band)
Best known for The Joker (and the "pompatus of love" ), he gave up recording in 1993. This song ought to be the reason why.
Keep me burnin' for your love, With the touch of a velvet glove
17. Puttin' on the Ritz (Taco)
Truly a one-hit wonder around the world, Taco Ockerse was born to Dutch parents in Jakarta and now is only still popular in Germany. Hasselhoff and Taco? What is it with the Germans?
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
16. Dirty Laundry (Don Henley)
A song about lousy TV news was a Top 5 hit; Henley's next solo album is due out later this year. (Will it feature a tune about this lousy song?)
We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who comes on at five
15. The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades (Timbuk 3)
Husband/wife team of Pat and Barbara MacDonald; song featured on "My Best Friend is a Vampire."
Fifty thou a year buys a lot of beer
14. Who's Johnny (El DeBarge)
Best known as the theme song to the Steve Guttenberg masterpiece "Short Circuit."
Who's Johnny? she said. And smiled in her special way
13. Dancing on the Ceiling (Lionel Richie)
The last of Richie's top 10 work; video pays homage to Fred Astaire.
People were starting to climb the walls. Ooh, it looks like everybody is having a ball
12. Heartbeat (Don Johnson)
A popular European music group -- Don Johnson Big Band -- is named after him.
I can feel it in the rhythm of the heartbeat in the street.
11. We Built This City (Starship)
Though a No. 1 hit, it was named the worst song of all time by a variety of publications
Knee deep in the hoopla, sinking in your fight. Too many runaways eating up the night
10. Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)
Band's reportedly was horrified that "Katrina" was the name of last year's killer hurricane.
Now everytime I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down
9. I Wanna Be a Cowboy (Boys Don't Cry)
A one-hit wonder by a British studio band, it topped out at No. 13 on the charts. One reader said "I was asked to turn off by a passenger in my car because it was so painful to listen to."
My name is Ted. And one day I'll be dead -- yo yo
8. Sunglasses at Night (Corey Hart)
Perhaps the most overplayed songs of the 80s (along with "Come On Eileen" and "Melt with You" ), it's not even Hart's highest charting song -- Never Surrender is; along with "The Future's So Bright..." that makes two songs in the top 20 about wearing sunglasses.
Don't switch the blade on the guy in shades, oh-no
7. Fish Heads (Barnes and Barnes)
Fictional brothers Art and Artie Barnes are really artists Robert Haimer and Bill Mumy, who played Will Robinson in the TV series "Lost in Space." Though the song was recorded in 1978, it was released on the 1980 album Voobaha; made popular on the Dr. Demento radio show and Saturday Night Live.
I took a fish head out to see a movie. Didn't have to pay to get it in
6. Don't Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin)
McFerrin creates his music using his vocal range of four octaves and by tapping on his chest to make the bass sounds; he also sang the theme song to the "Cosby Show."
In every life we have some trouble. When you worry you make it double
5. Everybody Wang Chung Tonight (Wang Chung)
Originally called Huang Chung (Chinese for "perfect pitch" ); the band also claims "Wang Chung" is a sound make by strumming a guitar; named 3rd worst song ever by Blender magazine and VH1.
Across the nation, around the world. Everybody have fun tonight
4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Wham!)
Song is based on a note left in George Michael's hotel room one night from band mate Andrew Ridgeley; popularity soared with the MTV showing the band wearing "Choose Life" t-shirts.
Jitterbug into my brain. Goes a bang bang bang till my feet do the same
3. Greatest Love of All (Whitney Houston)
Originally recorded by George Benson in 1977; one of several hit singles off her 1985 debut album; considering Houston's current state of life, the song's themes of self-preservation and dignity might seem ironic; mocked in "Coming to America" and "Say Anything."
No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity
2. Hip To Be Square (Huey Lewis and the News)
Band was composed of backup musicians for Elvis Costello and Van Morrison; several other band tunes -- "Heart of Rock and Roll" and "I Want A New Drug" -- barely missed inclusion on this list.
Don't tell me that I'm crazy. Don't tell me I'm nowhere. Take it from me. It's hip to be square.
1. We Are The World (USA For Africa)
It was the best of the 80s ... it was the worst of the 80s. Originally intended by Harry Belafonte to feature only black musicians; recorded same night as American Music Awards in 1985 to assure artists were available; eighth consecutive year that a Lionel Richie song reached No. 1. Sure, the song was for a good cause. But it wasn't even as good as "Feed The World" by the British artists, from which the idea was stolen. As one reader said, "We had to sing that at a school concert and it haunts me to this day."
It's true we'll make a better day. Just you and me
(source: Tampa Bay Times) -
hurhurhur how about this one too? Which touched a NERVE i tell ya.
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
To live
They got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around
Tellin' great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
Well, I don't want no Short People
Don't want no Short People
Don't want no Short People
`Round here
Short People are just the same
As you and I
(A Fool Such As I)
All men are brothers
Until the day they die
(It's A Wonderful World)
Short People got nobody
Short People got nobody
Short People got nobody
To love
They got little baby legs
That stand so low
You got to pick 'em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars
That go beep, beep, beep
They got little voices
Goin' peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They're gonna get you every time
Well, I don't want no Short People
Don't want no Short People
Don't want no Short People
'Round here -
What???
Ther's no mention of the German outfit, Modern Talking????
You're my heart, you're my soul
You can win if you want
Cheri Cheri Lady
Brother Louie
Atlantis is calling (SOS for love)
Geronimo's Cadillac
Jet Airliner -
i guess there are too many out there
it's very american so i don't think the crap that is Modern Talking got there -
hahahaha...hey, that's true man.Originally posted by the Bear:i guess there are too many out there
it's very american so i don't think the crap that is Modern Talking got there
My 'favourite'...
Atlantis is calling (S.O.S. for love)
Lady, I know it was hard
But it's much harder to ignore
There's a chance and I'll promise
I won't hurt you anymore
Hollywood nights we're romancin'
You can trust me anytime
Somewhere, oh babe - there is someone
Oh you're dancing in my mind
Ohoho, little queenie
I'm your fool
Come on, teach me the rules
And I will send an S.O.S. for love
Ohoho, little queenie,
I'm your fool
You need love, like I do
And I will send a S.O.S. for love
Atlantis is calling, S.O.S. for love
Atlantis is calling, from the stars above
Atlantis is calling, S.O.S. for love
Atlantis is calling, it's too hot to stop
If loving you is wrong, babe
Oh, I don't wanna be right
I've got you under my skin, babe
And baby, hold me tight
I'm ready for our romance
I wait a million years for you
I love you more than I'm saying
Baby, that's for me the truth -
I disagree with some of the selections leh.
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aww.. c'mon.. i liked a few of them meself....
like Come On Eileen and Kokomo
Come On Eileen had the immortal words:
pretty red dress
my thoughts, i confess
verge on dirty
oh come on Eileen
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I've loved that song for years until the day some of the lyrics suddenly came through loud and clear. WTF?Originally posted by the Bear:aww.. c'mon.. i liked a few of them meself....
like Come On Eileen and Kokomo
Come On Eileen had the immortal words:
pretty red dress
my thoughts, i confess
verge on dirty
oh come on Eileen -
Piss! Why isn't 'Walking on Sunshine' (Katrina & The Waves) in that list?
I like Manic Monday actually. -
hei...songs of my baby years
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33. Tainted Love (Soft Cell)
oh boy...the marilyn manson version is a million times better!!!
Originally recorded in 1964 by northern soul artist Gloria Jones.
Don't touch me please. I cannot stand the way you tease" -
I am really surprise since I like most of the songs listed except
68. Girl You Know It's True (Milli Vanilli)
German pop pair lip-synced their live performances.
You're soft, succulent so sweet and thin. That's kind of like a vision upon your skin. -
how issit a worst song if its a hit song?
or is 'worst' a slang for 'very good, wonderful' etc?
eg: sick=awesome -
you forgot Munnaeru Valibaa
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the lament of a man who asked:
"I once asked someone if the song was good and the man told me the chart ratings."
think about itOriginally posted by alexkusu:how issit a worst song if its a hit song?
or is 'worst' a slang for 'very good, wonderful' etc?
eg: sick=awesome